Detecting severe dry eye and improving its treatment
Official title: Detection and Optimization of Treatment of Severe Cases of Dry Eye Disease
Run by Singapore National Eye Centre · NCT07554911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether an AI tool that analyzes one corneal photo can better find adults with severe dry eye who need specialist treatment, compared with or added to a short DEQ-5 questionnaire.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Singapore National Eye Centre Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 18, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07554911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 21 and older previously diagnosed with dry eye at a dry eye clinic who are willing to complete eye examinations and questionnaires are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with mild dry eye without central corneal staining, those who cannot undergo dye staining or imaging, or those with unrelated ocular comorbidities may not benefit from this AI screening.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Investigators will use a prototype AI algorithm to analyze a single corneal photograph taken after dye staining to identify central corneal staining associated with severe dry eye. Adults previously diagnosed with dry eye will complete the DEQ-5 symptom questionnaire and undergo standardized eye examinations and corneal imaging at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. The AI results will be compared with DEQ-5 screening to see if adding or replacing the questionnaire improves identification of cases that require specialist prescription therapies such as cyclosporine. The study aims to reduce unnecessary hospital referrals and support sustainable community-based management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the AI screening could help primary care identify severe cases earlier, direct appropriate patients to specialist care faster, and reduce unnecessary referrals.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from over 1,000 corneal images collected in China and Singapore suggest the prototype AI is sensitive and specific for detecting cases with central corneal staining.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 21 years old and above 2. Participants must be previously diagnosed with dry eye in the dry eye clinic (previous referred and had various forms of treatment such as artificial tears or prescription eyedrops) 3. Willing to perform all eye examinations and questionnaires in this study 4. Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. All subjects meeting any of the exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from participation and then list the criterion. 2. Any other specified reason as determined by clinical investigator
Where it's running
-
Singapore Eye Research Institute
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Louis Tong — Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI)
- Study coordinator: Sharon Yeo, BSc
- Email: sharon.yeo.w.j@singhealth.com.sg
- Phone: 65767200
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.